- Please choose your college carefully. You don't want to transfer from school to school during the middle of semesters because you're unhappy with your choice. I personally know someone who did this during his freshman year and I doubt his grades were good because of it. When choosing your college, make sure the food is adequate (seriously, who doesn't love food), the classroom size isn't too big for you, you're able to adapt to the weather changes on campus, and the graduation rate is high. Overall, you need to be happy with your choice. Not your parents, grandparents, friends, aunts, cousins, uncles, or whoever.
- Get a feel of your campus. Explore it before classes begin. Try finding the building your classes are in and mapping how far each one is from the other. This is really beneficial. When classes are in, you'll already know where your classes are. No need for the printed off schedule (it gives off that you're a newbie anyway). See what restaurants are around campus. You may need to visit a few if you get hungry.
- If you see a campus map, use it. Don't walk around being lost. Speak up and ask someone if you have to. I did this multiple times in my first semester. Being late or absent may also affect your grade. You don't want to give off the wrong impression on the first day.
- Always bring money with you to campus. Whether its pocket change or dollar bills. You never know when you might want a snack or get hungry.
- Teachers won't hold your hand, so please don't think they will. Most teachers, that I've encountered in college, are always willingly to help you, but they will not do the work for you. They will require you to go seek help and will not give you answers. Even the help you find will make you think of a logical answer for yourself. They are not like high school teachers and should not be treated as such.
- A due date is a due date unless the teacher says otherwise. Using the old "I was too tired to finish it" or "I forgot to study" excuses won't work. You must stay on top of your school work. I bought a weekly planner the size of a notebook to keep track of due dates and school events.
- Get involved. This is college, ya know. Not everything is all serious work. There will be many college activities whether you attend a university or a community college. My school would have Chili contests , Biggest Loser challenges, and Survey for Photo-booth days. There is a lot to do so get involved and have some fun.
- Learn how to study. My high school didn't require a lot of studying so I didn't know how. My second semester of college, I began to struggle in a class that required me to remember a bunch of key terms. I tried everything from visiting study skills center to reading a book on study skills. My advice would be to speak with the teacher of that given class. Let the teacher know that you're having a hard time and if he/she would have any advice as to what you should do. They are always willingly to help you out unless they state otherwise on the first day. Most will help though. I learned my study methods from a book. Its actually the V.A.R.K. Learning Method.
- College textbooks aren't free. Nowhere near cheap in some cases. I have had 4 books in the campus book store cost up to $500 in one semester. That's why I decided to rent or purchase books online for cheaper. I also found that my school offered a bulletin board for students to post their numbers and old books for purchase. They were much cheaper than book store prices. My college also offered renting services on a first come, first served basis. I composed a list (HERE) of textbook websites I have used to avoid the bookstore prices.
I don't say all of this to scare you. These tips are from my personal experience. I wanted to share so other first year students wouldn't be as lost and confused as I was. If you have a question, feel free to tweet me or leave a comment below.